Cable-terminal.



J. E. MGMEBN- CABLE TERMINAL.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1906. Patented Dec. 1

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J. E. McMEEN. CABLE TERMINAL.

APPLICATION FILEDMAY 21 1906. 905,347. Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

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J. E. MoMEEN. CABLE TERMINAL.

' APPLIUATION TILED MAY 21, 1906. r 905,347, Y Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

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I APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1906. I M 905,347. Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

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JAMES. EL McMEEN, or GALESBURG, ILLINOIS.

CABLE-TERMINAL.

To all whom'it may concern: l Be it known that I, JAMES E. MOMEEN, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Galesburg, county of Knox, and State of Illinois, have invented a hew anduseful Improvement in Cable-Terminals, of which the following is a specification.

My invention pertains to the installation and maintenance of electrical conductors in cables, particularly such conductors as are inclosed in lead-covered cables, and hung upon poles for the distribution of telephone circuits, wherein it is desirable to make certain of the cable conductors accessible at various points throughout the length of the cable. I

My invention consists of an improved and simplified cable terminal device, my device being built directly upon the cable itself instead of being built as a piece of appara- *tus apart from the cable, with 'a'branch of the cable leading to it and terminating in it.

The advantages of my method of terminating or' tapping cable conductors lie in the direction of economy, as a terminal according to my invention is very cheap to install, either at the time the cable is erected or at any subsequent time.

In the drawings accompanying this specification: Figure 1 shows the complete cable terminal device, the cable being broken away on either side, and the jumper wires from the tapped cable conductors lo'oselynfrom the lower side of the cylindrical cover; Fig. 2 shows a pole top of typical aerial construction, equipped'witha cable terminal according to my invention, there being shownalso in the drawing portions of two spans of lead-covered cable and supporting messenger wire, a cross-arm with insulators, and three ,pairs of service dropwires, with loose jumpers fromtheinsulators into the cable terminal; Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show a structural part required in the building of'a cable terminal according to, my invention being the equivalent of .a split lead sleeve for an ordinary cable splice, but with terminals added; three views of the-same part are shown; Figs. 6 and 7 show faceand edge views of a terminal block for terminating the jumper wires leading out from the cable terminal; Figs. 8 and 9 show face and edge views of an iron end piece, of which four are used inbuilding up a cable terminal according to my invention, as sub- Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed May 21, 1906. Serial No. 317,9 81.

appearing Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

sequently described; Fig. 10 shows a stage in the preparation of a cable for terminating a number of its conductors according to my invention, the installation of the cable terminal in'this instance being made without cutting any ,of the conductors of the cable; Fig. 11 shows a stage in the preparation forthe "installation of a cable terminal according to my invention, the installation being made at-the junction between two cables of unequal sizes, some of the conductors of the largercable tapping out to the cable terminal and passing on into the smaller cable, and some of the conductors of the larger cable terminating in the cable terminal;

. Fig. 12 shows detail of a wooden tool used in forming wires as shown in Fig. 10; Figs. 13 and 14 show twoviews of an end seal, of lead, used in the construction of the cable terminal according to my invention; Fig. 15 shows a section through a completed cable terminal according to my invention, and Fig. lo shows a cross section of the same.

In general, my invention has for its object the making of a cable splice with terminals mounted in the'sleeve thereof, the terminals thus mounted being then protected from the weather by a suitable housing, and the conductors within the cable protectedv from undue electrical conditions byproper fuses conveniently mounted within the pro tecting housing." Where the cable is not to be spliced, I propose to strip the lead sheath from the cable at a selected point and replace itiwith a sleeve in which the terminals are mounted.

In the case of installing a cable terminal according to my invention where the cable conductors are not to be opened at .the terminal, the process would be as foll'ws, the description and drawings being sho n for a terminal accommodating ten conductors and placed upon a 'cable having a greater number of conductors, as perhaps thirty, sixty, or one hundred;

- The lead sheath .first is removed, exposing the insulated cable conductors; the ends of the sheath then are tapped in the manner usual when proceeding to make a splice.

' The pairs to be connected to the terminals then-maybe tested out and tagged. Some slack must be pulled into the cable, say one inch, for the size of cable here contemplated,

and all conductors of the cable then are formed to take up this slack,'the formation being that shown in Fig. 10, which shows 1 this stage of the process; those conductors to be tapped to the terminals are formed into protruding loops as shown in typical conductor'l, while those conductors not to be tapped out have the slack taken up by being bent or formed into the shape as shown in "typical conductor 2, this kink in the conloops to remain outside the wrapping; the

insulation of the conductors in the tapping loops is removed for half an inch from the central portion of each of the loops; the

work now will present an appearance similar to that of part 30 in Fig. 15. The next step is the installation of the split sleeve and its terminals. This part is shown in detail in Figs. 3, and 5, Fig. 3 showingthe inside face of a strip of lead, 3, and the inside connectors of the terminals mounted thereupon; Fig. 4 shows an edge view of thesame, and F ig.' 5 shows the outside faceof the strip of lead and the outer .connectors of the terminals. In the case of the ten-conductor terminal herein illustrated, the strip of lead 3, is perforated with twelve holes, one for each of the ten conductors to be tapped out and two for screws or bolts for clamping the ter minal plates in place on the lead strip. Two plates of insulating material 4 and 5, per forated for terminals and for clamping bolts, are cemented to the lead strip with the said perforations coinciding with the homologous perforations of the lead strip, the insulating platesbeing cemented to the lead strip to form a moisture-proof seal, and being further secured by two bolts 6, 6, which bolts,

also project beyond the outer insulating 7 plate for the attachment of parts of the proterminals.

tecting housing. The outer plate 5 is wider than the inner plate 4, and has ten additional holes 32, for fuse wires leading from the Each of the conductor terminals is provided on the inner side of the lead strip with a hook-like solder clip 7 and on the outer side of the lead strip with suitable clamping means, as the 'nut 8, for holding a fuse wire or other conductor. The perforationsin the lead sheath are made larger than the bolts which form the conductor terminals, so that a clearance will be left between the conductor bolts and the lead strip to provide for the necessary insulation of the'ter-' minals. of length approximately the same as the lead sheet but conveniently narrower, is clamped under the insulating plate 5, and is adapted to form an outer covering for the lead strip. This is shown in Figs. 4, 5, 15 and 16. In

the installation of-this lead strip, or split sleeve, the looped-out and skinned conduc- A strip of flexible sheet asbestos 9,

tors are hooked upon the solder clips of the terminals and soldered; then the lead strip is bent around the cable and its ends are soldered' together, forming a tubular sleeve; then the ends of the sleeve are hammered in and wiped, as man ordinary cable splice; the asbestos strip 9 then is wrapped around the sleeve 3, and the ends sewed together; the sleeve is now complete as shown'in Figs. 15 and 16, the solder of the wipe oints being Shown at 10 in Fig. 15.

There remains to build the protecting housing around the terminals, and to provide additional terminals, if desired. Four 'pieces 11, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, are

used. These may be of cast or sheet metal, each piece being semi r annular and with three projecting lugs, 12, 13, 13; the lugs project at right angles to the body of the part, and each lug is drilled for abolt. Two such pieces ll, are placed upon the two projecting bolts 6, 6, of the split-sleeve terminal block 5; thus they encircle the upper half of the split sleeve 3; the remaining two pieces 11 are attached to the jumper-terminal block -14, by its two end bolts 6', 6, loosely, and then are placed in position encircling the lower half of the split sleeve 3; in this position, the lugs 13,13, 13, 13, of the 13,13, 13, of the parts 11 and 11, and bolts 6", of which there are four in all, are passed through; the nuts on }all bolts 6, 6, 6, 6, 6", 6", 6", 6, now are tightened and the end circles or flanges are in place.

The jumper-terminal block 11, is similar to the part 5, and the terminals uponit are similar to those mounted upon the block 5; the jumper wires .18, 18, are passed through this block and clamped or soldered in place before the juniper-terminal block 14: is built into its final position.

Two split caps, Fig. 13, of sheet lead, are placed oventhe end rings at 15 and 15, the edges are hammered over as at 16 in Fig. 15, to clamp the end rings, the lips 17, 17, of the slit which permitted the end cap to be gether, and the end caps are wiped to the cable sheath the solder of this second Wipe joint being shown in Figs. 1 and 15 at .17, 17. Fuse wires, as 19, 19, nowmay be installed, each fuse wire passing from a clamp terniina-l on the split-sleeve terminal block, through the adjacent hole 32, in thatterminal block, thence through the corresponding hole in the jumper terminal block to the clamp terminal to which the jumper wire is connected; thus the cable conductor a is connected to the jumper wire, and. pro-' tection is provided for the cable conductor against currents of undue strength.

The installation of the device is completed by placing the sheet-metal cover, 20, over the terminal and clamping the end circles or flanges, and hooking it to the messenger wire supporting the cable. This cover, 20, is in the form of a split cylinder, with edges turned back as shown at 21, to provide a slot-like exit for the jumper wires on the under side of the cylinder; it is provided with a pair of clamping screws 22, 22, op-

erating inlugs to draw the cover tightly and 28, are spliced in the usual manner and" pass from the larger into the smaller cable, While still other conductors, as 29 and 31, not only pass into the smaller cable but also are tapped out intothe terminals. After the conductors are disposed of by being spliced or laid out for terminals as shown, the splice 1s finished inaccordance with all the principles of the work fol lowing that United States Letters Patent is:

condition shown in Fig. 10.

I donot wish tolimit myself in all respects to the exact details herein shown and described, as I understand that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by 1. In a cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of said terminals;

Weather shields extending from said flanges to the cable sheath on either side of said sleeve; and a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges to house said terminals, said cover being formed at its edges to provide anexit from said housing for conductors, substantially as described.

2. In a cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of said terminals;

weather shields extending from the periph ery of said flanges to the cable sheath on either side of said sleeve; and a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges to house said terminals, said cover being formed at its edges to rovide an exit from said housing for con uctors, substantially as described.

3. In a cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of said terminals; weather shields extending from said flanges to the-cable sheath on either side of said sleeve and united with the sheath by a soldered or weatherproof joint; and a cover' split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges to house said terminals, said cover being formed at its edges ,to provide an exit from said housing for conductors, substantially as described.

4. In a cable'terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve 'upon either side of said terminals weather shields extending from said flanges to the cable sheath on either side of said sleeve; a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges to house said terminals, said cover being formed atv its edges to provide an exit from said housing for conductors, and suspension hooks upon said cover on the side opposite the exit, substantially as described.

5. In a cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing a set of insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of said terminals; a second set of insulatedterminal posts, supported bysaid flanges; ,and a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges and forming a housing for both sets of terminal posts, the edges of said cover being formed to leavean opening in said housing for exit of jumper wires attached to saidterminal posts, substantially as described. l

6 Ina cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing a set of insulated conductor term inals mounted therethrough flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon, other side of said terminals; a second set 01 insulated terminal posts supported by said flanges; a cover split, lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges and "forming a housing for both sets.

of terminal posts, the edges of said cover be-- ing :tormed to leave an opening in said housing for exit of jumper wires attached to said terminal posts; and suspension hooks exit, substantiallyas described.

7 In a cable terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing a set of insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of saidterminals; a second set of insulated terminal posts supported by said flanges; a coversplitlen thwis'e and clamped upon said flanges am? forming a housing for both sets of terminal posts, the edges of said cover being formed to leave an opening in said housin upon said cover on the side opposite the conductors extending between terminals of said first set and terminals of said second set; and a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges and forming a housing for both sets of terminal posts, the edgesof said cover being formed to leave an opening in.

said housing for exit of jumper wires attachedto said terminal posts, substantiallyas described.- 4 a),

9. In a cable, terminal, a sealed sleeve for a median section of a cable, said sleeve containing a. set of insulated. conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mountedupon said sleeve upon either side of said described.

10. In a cable terminal, a sealed'sleeve for,

terminals; a'second-set'of insulated terminal posts supported by said flanges, and positioned at and beyond the opposite side'of the said sleeve from the first set of terminals;

fuse conductors extending between terminalsof said :first set and terminals of said second set; a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said, flangesand forming a housing for both sets of terminal posts, the edges of'said cover. being formed to leave an opening in said housing for exit of jumper 'wires attached to-said terminal posts; and

said cover being so' positioned upon said flanges as to-position the .exit opening near the second set of terminals,

a median section of a cable, said sleeve containmg a set of'insulated conductor terminals mounted therethrough; flanges mounted upon said sleeve upon either side of said substantially as terminals; a second set of insulated terminal posts supported by said flanges; and positioned at and beyond the opposite side of the said sleeve from the first set of terminals; fuse conductors extending between terminals of said first setand termlnals of said second set; a cover split lengthwise and clamped upon said flanges and forming a housing for said cover being formed to leave an opening 1n said housing for exlt 0t umper W1I6S, at-

tached to said terminal posts; said cover being so positioned upon said flanges as to posltion the exit open ng near the second set of termlnals; and suspension hooks upon said cover. on the side opposite the exit, substan-.

tially as described.

11. In acable terminal, a sealed sheath for the cable containing insulated terminals therein for connection with the cable c0n-.

ductors"; flanges upon said sheath on-either side of said terminals; a cylindrical cover split lengthwise and adapted when clamped upon said flanges to form ahousing for said terminals; clamping devices upon said housng near its edges and adapted to draw the edges toward each other and; to clamp the housing upon the flanges, saidedges being formed to provide an opening through said housing for the exit of conductors from said terminals when saidhousing is clamped upon said flanges; and suspension hooksupon said housing, said hooks being adapted to engage a messenger wire and belng located upon .said housingin such relative position to the edges of said housingas to maintain said housing with the opening for conductors on the under. side of the cylindrical housing,

substantially as described.

Signed by me at Galesburg, county of Knox and State of Illinois, in the presence oftwo witnesses. p

JAMES E; MoMEEN. Witnesses: I

J. E. CAMPBELL, W. ROBBINS.

55 both sets of terminal posts, the edges of 

